News (engl.)

Germany’s U21 national team recorded their second win in three European Championship qualifiers. Antonio Di Salvo’s side came from behind to beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in Belfast, with goals from Assan Ouédraogo (79’) and Dzenan Pejcinovic (83’) turning the game around in front of 1,252 spectators at The Oval.

Just as in the 3-2 defeat to Greece, Dennis Seimen started in goal for Germany. In front of him, a back four of Noel Aseko, Tim Drexler, Tom Rothe and Lukas Ullrich lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Muhammed Damar, captain Tom Bischof and Assan Ouédraogo anchored the midfield, while Nelson Weiper and Said El Mala operated on the wings with Nicolo Tresoldi as the central striker.

The hosts started brightly and immediately put Germany under pressure. Just four minutes in, their efforts were rewarded – Ruairi McConville headed a powerful corner into the far corner to give Northern Ireland an early lead. Germany took some time to find their feet after falling behind. Their first real effort came in the 13th minute when Bischof lifted a ball into the box for Weiper, but the Mainz striker’s header posed no danger.

Aseko to the rescue

A few minutes later, Köln’s El Mala was fouled on the edge of the box. Damar took the resulting free-kick and hit the side netting (19’). In the 24th minute, Bischof tested the Northern Irish keeper from distance, but McMullan made a comfortable save. After half an hour, Di Salvo’s team began to control the game. Bischof was heavily involved, looking to create chances for the forwards, but the hosts defended well and stayed compact.

Despite Germany’s dominance, the hosts came close to doubling their lead on the counter. Following a Germany corner, Northern Ireland broke quickly. Kelly found himself one-on-one with Seimen, who saved with his feet. The rebound looked destined to go in, but Aseko had tracked back and headed off the line in dramatic fashion (39’).

Ouédraogo heads in the equaliser

There were no changes at the break. Germany came out with intent and almost found a way through just seconds into the second half – Ouédraogo released El Mala, who cut the ball back for Tresoldi, but his shot was too tame (46’). Germany were now playing with more conviction. In the 54th minute, Kirk broke down the right for the hosts and forced Seimen into a save at his near post. Two minutes later, Weiper volleyed home a low cross from Rothe – but the celebrations were cut short for offside (56’).

At the 64-minute mark, Di Salvo made three changes: Leandro Morgalla (VfL Bochum) came on at right-back for Aseko, Mert Kömür (FC Augsburg) replaced Damar in midfield, and Ilyas Ansah (Union Berlin) took over from El Mala on the left wing. Moments later, Weiper forced McMullan into another save with a shot from a tight angle. Germany continued to push for the equaliser, while Northern Ireland looked dangerous on the break or from set pieces.

In the 74th minute, Di Salvo made an attacking change by bringing on Pejcinovic for left-back Ullrich. The move paid off just five minutes later – Bischof delivered a pinpoint cross from the right and Ouédraogo rose highest to head into the bottom-left corner for 1-1.

Super sub Pejcinovic completes the turnaround

Germany weren’t finished there. Just four minutes later, a handball in the box gave the visitors a penalty. Pejcinovic kept his cool and slotted home into the bottom-left corner to complete the turnaround (83’). In the 90th minute, defender Hendry Blank came on for Tresoldi to help see out the result. Northern Ireland pushed hard during four minutes of added time, but Germany held firm to secure a valuable three points.

With six points, Germany now sit second in Group F behind Greece and ahead of Northern Ireland. They will round out the calendar year with two more qualifiers: against Malta in Fürth on 14th November (18:00 CET) and away to Georgia in Tbilisi on 18th November (18:00 CET).